Nikita (1990)
Kernel Score: 78% · 2,108 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Action, Thriller
Released: 1990-02-21
Runtime: 117 minutes
Is Nikita worth watching?
Worth watching. A stylish French thriller about a convicted killer turned government assassin. It is sleek, violent and has a strong central performance, though the second half leans on romance and some of it feels dated.
Watch it if you
- like stylish action with a reluctant killer at the centre
- enjoy 1990s European crime thrillers
- want a female-led assassin story with real edge
Skip it if you
- dislike graphic violence
- want a fast, non-stop action film
Best for: Late-night action pick
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Nikita
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A beautiful felon, sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a policeman, is given a second chance – as a secret political assassin controlled by the government.
Nikita parents' guide: ages 15+
Parents need to know that Nikita is an R-rated action thriller about a criminal turned government assassin.
- Violence & scariness: Strong — Contains gunfights, a shotgun, and violent assassination sequences as the female lead carries out government hits.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — A romance subplot is present alongside the espionage story.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — Drug-related elements including drug stealing appear in the plot.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Nikita
If you liked Nikita, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Léon: The Professional (1994) — 91%: Same director, same mix of cold professionals and unexpected tenderness
- John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017) — 84%: Stylish assassin action built on a hidden, ruthless world
- Nobody (2021) — 89%: Ordinary person revealed as a lethal operative
- Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004) — 88%: Female-led revenge story from a lethal past
- Infernal Affairs (2002) — 86%: Tense undercover thriller about divided loyalties
- Oldboy (2003) — 89%: Stylish, brutal thriller about a person remade by others
Director
Cast
- Anne Parillaud as Nikita
- Jean-Hugues Anglade as Marco
- Tchéky Karyo as Bob
- Jean Reno as Victor, the Cleaner
- Marc Duret as Rico
- Jeanne Moreau as Armande
- Patrick Fontana as Coyotte
- Roland Blanche as Interrogation Cop
- Jacques Boudet as The Pharmacist
- Jean Bouise as The Embassy Attaché
Nikita FAQ
Is Nikita worth watching?
Worth watching. A stylish French thriller about a convicted killer turned government assassin. It is sleek, violent and has a strong central performance, though the second half leans on romance and some of it feels dated.
Where can I watch Nikita?
In the US you can rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.
Is Nikita OK for kids?
Nikita is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that Nikita is an R-rated action thriller about a criminal turned government assassin.
What movies are like Nikita?
If you liked Nikita, try Léon: The Professional, John Wick: Chapter 2, Nobody and Kill Bill: Vol. 2.